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This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.